Judge removes lawyer for ex-Giuliani aide Kerik

Source: Reuters

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. federal judge on Thursday removed the lawyer for Bernard Kerik, a former New York police commissioner and protege of Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani who faces federal corruption charges.

The ruling stands to postpone the start of Kerik's trial, which could help Guiliani if the potentially negative publicity of a trial is delayed past the upcoming nominating contests. Kerik has 30 days to find a new attorney.

The next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 6, the day after "Super Tuesday" when more than 20 states will hold primary elections or caucuses. No trial date has been set.

<snip>

Kerik, 52, served as police commissioner under Giuliani, the former New York mayor, in 2000 and 2001 and stood by Giuliani's side after the September 11 attacks. The two became business partners after Giuliani left office.

With Giuliani's backing, Kerik was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2004 to be secretary of Homeland Security. The charges include allegations that he lied to investigators doing a background check for the cabinet post.

...more...

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN2428217820080124?sp=true

...he would have been soooooo easy to take apart.

...is good for progressives. While I think RG's chances of winning the nomination are only slightly better than my own, it would be nice of the Ghost of Kerik Past would conveniently crop up during the GE, when it really matters.

Ed for clarity:

While I think RG's chances of winning the nomination are only slightly better than my own...

Marc Mukasey defending Kerik.

Judge Mukasey is good friends with Rudy Giuliani.